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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Bill kicked out of his hotel?

2. Which of the following characters is said to mooch?

3. What is in the boxes Norton gives to Bill?

4. Who does Bill form a partnership with in this segment?

5. Where is Bill being watched by agents?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bill's early life.

2. Describe the fight that occurs in the opening ten pages.

3. What happens to Marvin when he takes junk?

4. In what way could the novel be said to be junk driven?

5. What does Bill state are the problems with marijuana dealing?

6. How was Bill able to travel around Europe?

7. Describe the character of Nick.

8. What does Norton give Bill in the opening pages?

9. What does Bill Gains and Bill do with the junk when they purchase it?

10. Describe Bill's time in the apartment in the opening chapters.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Burroughs' writing style. How would you describe Burroughs' prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Burroughs' style give to the story?

Essay Topic 2

Examine withdrawal from heroin as described in the book.

1) What does Lee feel and suffer during withdrawal?

2) How can withdrawal from heroin be made easier?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the values of 1930's America.

1) Why was morality such an issue during this time?

2) In what ways are the characters negative characteristics a product of their time? Do you think America was going through a transitional phase in the thirties? What significant changes do you think occurred during this period?

3) Does modern society share any values with Thirties America?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 662 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample